China is officially a no-go
NFL gives precedence to London exhibition
The NFL confirmed yesterday that the China Bowl between the Patriots and Seahawks this summer has been postponed, saying the league's focus will be placed on another international game, the October regular-season matchup between the Dolphins and Giants in London.
The league plans to play a game in China in August 2009, and is currently establishing an office in Beijing.
"Our assessment is that Chinese fans would be better served if our game in China is played at a later date after we have launched our international series of regular-season games and more effectively paved the way for the introduction of our game into China," said Mark Waller, senior vice president of NFL International, in a statement.
"As a new sport in China, it is critical that we create the best platform for the introduction of the game. We are delighted Beijing authorities have agreed with our assessment and have invited us to play in Beijing in 2009."
Waller added that plans for the China Bowl, which was to be held Aug. 9, were finalized before NFL owners approved the regular-season game in London. The league apparently felt its resources were stretched while planning for two international games.
Also likely factoring into the decision were logistical issues that cropped up.
Patriots chairman/CEO Robert Kraft and vice chairman/president Jonathan Kraft were unavailable for comment yesterday regarding the postponement. Team spokesman Stacey James said the team is "still very much looking forward to the opportunity to participate in the first China Bowl."
Added James, "The Kraft family continues to be committed to expanding the Patriots brand beyond the borders of New England and outside the United States."
The 2009 game in China is scheduled to be played at the National Stadium of Beijing, the main stadium for the 2008 Summer Olympics.
Another exhibition game against the Seahawks, which was to be played Aug. 2 in Seattle, also was called off.
The game against the Panthers will be broadcast nationally on CBS, with an 8 p.m. kickoff. The dates and times of the other games will be finalized later.
The Patriots have not played the Titans in the preseason since that franchise moved to Tennessee in 1997. The teams played a chippy game in the 2006 regular-season finale, a game in which safety Rodney Harrison injured his knee and later called Titans center Kevin Mawae one of the dirtiest players he has competed against. Receiver Bobby Wade, who delivered the block that injured Harrison's knee, has since joined the Minnesota Vikings.
The NFL's regular-season schedule is expected to be announced later this month.
Brady visited health clinics, schools, and other locations in Ghana and Uganda.
"This was my first trip to Africa and it was an eye-opener," Brady said in a statement released by DATA. "I saw the best and brightest of the human spirit in the face of incredible poverty that most of us just can't comprehend. I've learned that we as Americans, living in the greatest country in the world, can save innocent lives ravaged by AIDS with something as small as a 25 cent pill.
"When you see what can be done, it's impossible to not be driven to do more -- the needs are still overwhelming. This won't be my last visit to Africa and I hope to pass along what I've learned here to others who will listen."
Mike Reiss can be reached at mreiss@globe.com. 
